CARDIFF, United Kingdom - Gareth Bale sparred Wales' blushes as the Real Madrid star headed a late winner to clinch their vital 2-1 victory against Azerbaijan in Friday's Euro 2020 qualifier.
Already in trouble in Group E after successive defeats to Hungary and Croatia, Wales were saved by their captain as Bale headed home from close-range.Bale's crucial contribution was another welcome boost for the former Tottenham forward in what could be a season of vindication. Bale, who scored his first goals since March 16 in the weekend draw at Villarreal, this week dismissed the suggestion that it has been the worst time of his careered and insisted the problems have only made him stronger.
But Wales didn't have it all their own way and Bahlul Mustafazade let rip with a fierce strike that flashed just wide from the edge of the area.